2012 Outsiders: Golf Betting

Many pundits’ predictions for 2012 probably won’t differ much from the ones they made a year ago. McIlroy, Donald, Westwood and Woods are the familiar names trotted out, but between them they have only won one of the last eight majors.

With such strength in depth around the world I think we can be a bit more imaginative with our picks. We have already flagged up Hunter Mahan at 50/1 and Simon Dyson at 80/1 as each way shouts for their respective money lists but what about the majors?

Jason Day to win the US Masters - 33/1 Paddy Power
The young Australian had a couple of near misses in 2011 but he should be all the stronger for the experience. A runner-up in the Masters and US Open, he came up against inspired opponents at the wrong time. Victor Chandler make him 7/1 to win a major in 2012 but if he is to break his duck anywhere, it will be at Augusta.

Ranking 14th on tour for driving distance and 7th for strokes gained putting, he has the ideal attributes. A second round 64 last time proved his liking for the idiosyncratic course, and at 33/1 (Paddy Power) he looks a good bet to take the green jacket.

Alvaro Quiros to win the Open – 100/1 Bet365
The big hitting Spaniard finished the year triumphant in Dubai and that could provide the launch pad for a memorable 2012. He might lack the finesse in his short game to succeed in the US, but he could simply overpower Royal Lytham & St Annes in July.

The Lancashire course might boast 203 bunkers, but when you drive the ball over 310 yards, they don’t become such an issue. If the UK experiences a particularly dry summer, Quiros would be one of the few people able to stop the ball on rock-hard greens. The ability to hit wedges when mere mortals are hitting 8 irons gives him a huge advantage. It could be like Keegan Bradley all over again.

Gregory Havret to make the Ryder Cup team – 50/1 Victor Chandler
At the end of September Medinah Country Club hosts the Ryder Cup, an event every golfer is desperate to play in. The European team almost picks itself but there is always room for an unlikely player to make the team. In recent years, the likes of Peter Hanson and Oliver Wilson have snuck in after excellent seasons on the European Tour. A case can be made for Gregory Havret to follow in their footsteps at 50/1 (Victor Chandler).

The mercurial Frenchman is ranked in the world’s top 100 after another good year. He was in the money in 18 of the 29 events he played, with seven top ten finishes. A three-time winner on tour, he is the type of player to get on a hot streak and bag a couple of victories. A runner-up spot in the 2010 US Open proves he can mix it at the highest level, and at these odds he certainly isn’t without a chance.